First Appointment Tomorrow

[ThatGirlKat]

Hi everyone!

After struggling with my weight my entire life and trying every yo-yo diet ever, I finally made an appoointment with a surgeon to discuss LGS. My first appointment is tomorrow and I'm pretty sure I'm experiencing every emotion possible all at the same time.

I think my list of questions for the surgeon is pretty complete, but there could be something I'm missing. Do you have any advice for a first appointment or questions you recommend asking?

Thanks for your input!

[Christie13]

All associated costs, how long of a hospital stay is required (each doctor has different ones), what kind of post op care you'll have, are there any support groups provided by your surgeon's office, what kind of pre and post op diet is required.... That should get you started.

[Sammih]

How soon after surgery can you have sex again and does your V change, according to Lisa Lamponelli it does. Just kidding, sort of. I don't want you to ask those questions tomorrow, unless you are also curious. I will either gather the courage to ask or I'll find out eventually. lol. I'm pre-op. One pre-op test left, endoscopy next month. I look forward to keeping up with your journey, if I haven't offended you.

[Ann2]

When did he/she start doing sleeve surgeries?

How many sleeve surgeries has she/he done?

What's the complication rate for HIS/HER patients?

What led her/him into the field of bariatric surgery (I assume she/he was a general surgeon before specializing in bariatric surgery)?

What factors determine the variation among his/her clients' success rates -- in losing all their excess weight and keeping it off long-term?

What other things has she/he observed about bariatric patients over the years?

Ask him/her to tell you about some of his patients' happiest successes.

[Linda51]

Kat,
After your appointment please let us know how you feel about the surgeon. Is she personable? Does she seem compassionate? Is she easy to talk to? That kind of thing. I'm moving to Houston this fall and will need to find a practice to be referred to. My surgeon knows doctors in San Antonio, but she doesn't know any in Houston. Your input would be useful. Is the hospital Methodist Hospital? My doctor says they have a bariatric program there.

[ThatGirlKat]

I do like my surgeon. He's not super-friendly or outgoing. He's very to the point and will answer any questions you have. I guess what I mean to say is that he's not 'butterflies and rainbows' but more 'direct and get down to business.' His staff seems wonderful and very supportive. Their friendliness does make up for what some might consider gruff demeanor from him. I'll be having my surgery at Hermann Drive Surgical Hospital.

Houston has a VERY large medical community. If my surgeon doesn't sound like a fit for you, then there are plenty others in town. You also may want to look for a doctor close to you since Houston is a very big town. You don't want to always drive 2 hours in traffic to get to an appointment.